5 Essential Vitamins for a Healthy Mouth

5 Essential Vitamins for a Healthy Mouth

Vitamins and minerals are considered essential nutrients and perform hundreds of roles in the body – including keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Your teeth and gums are the first point of contact for the nutrients you consume and kick off the digestion process. In fact, your teeth play a vital role in extracting the greatest amount of nutrients from your food as you chew.

Get more out of each bite. Below are five of the best vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and gums, as well as foods associated with them.

Calcium

The age-old adage of calcium helps build strong bones, couldn’t be truer when it comes to your teeth. Your teeth and jawbone rely on calcium to keep them healthy and strong. In addition, calcium helps prevent gum disease. Calcium rich foods consist of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Don’t consume dairy products? There are several non-dairy, calcium rich alternatives:

  • Calcium-fortified juices, cereals, breads, and plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk or oat milk
  • Canned fish
  • Soybeans and soy products
  • Leafy greens such as collard and turnip greens, kale, and bok choy

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is great for your mouth as it aids in the production of saliva. Saliva helps to break down your food and works to clean the bacteria from between your teeth – preventing tooth decay. Vitamin A can be consumed through orange-colored fruits such as mangos, cantaloupes, papayas, apricots, tangerines, and nectarines. Additionally, vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers provide Vitamin A, as well as fish and egg yolks.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential in strengthening your gums. Without enough Vitamin C, your teeth can become loose and fragile as your gums weaken. Additionally, you’re prone to developing gingivitis and gum disease. To ensure you receive enough Vitamin C to keep your gums strong and healthy try to consume citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, as well as peppers, kale, berries, and sweet potatoes.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus helps your body absorb calcium and supports in building strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus is found in a wide range of foods including shrimp, tuna, salmon, soybeans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, beef, pork, and cheese.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential to a healthy mouth as it helps your body absorb both calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, it’s crucial to get an adequate amount of Vitamin D to get the most out of your calcium intake. Vitamin D deficiencies can take a toll on oral health and lead to several oral health disorders such as gingival inflammation, cavities, and gum disease. Soaking up some sun could help with Vitamin D levels. Additionally, Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, canned tuna, Portobello mushrooms, and fortified drinks and foods such as milk, orange juice, and breakfast cereals.

 

Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy, lean meats is essential to your overall health and well-being – oral health included. Understanding how these essential vitamins impact your teeth and gums can help your extended oral care. Additionally, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your dental exams to ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape. If it’s been a while since you visited the dentist contact Roseman Dental to schedule a dental exam.

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Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Gum disease is caused by repeated attacks of the bacteria that live in dental plaque. Plaque is what builds up on our teeth after bacteria mix with sugars from the food we eat. The bacteria release acids and cause a sticky film to form. This layer can harden over time if we do not brush or floss at appropriate times. If plaque is left unattended for extended periods of time, it can start to degrade enamel, the outer layer of the tooth.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Some factors that cause gum disease are poor oral hygiene, a high sugar diet, frequent alcohol consumption, long-term tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, cancer, fluctuating hormone levels, and some others. There are three stages of gum disease – gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a type of gum disease where some presence of inflammation, redness, swelling, and bleeding occur, especially during brushing and flossing. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene which can lead to an accumulation of plaque. Gingivitis, however, can be reversed by maintaining a frequent routine of brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the intermediate stage of gum disease. In this stage, supportive bone and cartilage tissue deteriorate. Additionally, gum pockets start to develop, and plaque begins to deposit in the pockets below the gum line. To maintain the health of gum tissues in this stage, periodontal treatment such as scaling, and root planning are necessary to remove the plaque from deep pockets under the gum line.

What is Advanced Periodontitis?

If periodontitis is not maintained, it can progress to advanced periodontitis. In this stage, more bone is destroyed and cannot be reversed. Teeth may even be lost or shifted out of place. There are more aggressive forms of treatments which need to be done in this stage; without periodontal treatment, the teeth will likely require extraction. One of the treatment options for advanced periodontitis is flap surgery where the pocket size is reduced to maintain healthy gum tissue. Another treatment that can be done is bone grafting which prevents tooth loss by helping hold the tooth in place. The bone graft can be synthetic or may be composed of small fragments of the patient’s bone.

How can I Reduce my Chances of Gum Disease?

To prevent or reduce your chances of gum disease, you can incorporate the following measures in your lifestyle:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day
  • Use a soft bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush – they’re more effective at removing plaque
  • Floss every day
  • Use a mouth wash to help reduce the accumulation of bacteria and plaque eventually
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist – every six months (twice a year)

Gum disease can often lead to severe problems. The preventative measures listed above are ample ways of preventing gum disease. While maintaining a frequent oral hygiene routine is important, it’s extremely important to visit your dentist for regular cleanings every six months (twice a year). The cleanings provided by your dentist will help remove any remaining bacteria or plaque – leaving you with a healthy, bright smile!

For affordable, high-quality dental care in Henderson, Nevada or South Jordan, Utah contact Roseman Dental and Orthodontics.

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Article by Tanisha Khurana

Tanisha Khurana - DMD Candidate Class of 2023, Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, ASDA Chapter Fundraising Chair, Pediatric Club Outreach Coordinator

Tanisha Khurana
DMD Candidate Class of 2023
Roseman University College of Dental Medicine
ASDA Chapter Fundraising Chair
Pediatric Club Outreach Coordinator

 

Linked at the Heart

Linked at the Heart

Whether you know it or not, your mouth and heart are linked. Your heart – an organ about the size of a fist – pumps blood through your body. Your mouth – made up of numerous components, including your teeth – shares the bloodstream with your heart. Therefore, your oral hygiene could directly affect your heart health.

Can my Oral Health Affect my Heart?

Our mouths are loaded with bacteria—some good, and some harmful. Without proper oral hygiene, the harmful types of bacteria can cause cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, harmful bacteria in the mouth could enter your bloodstream through inflamed gums and cause additional issues—such as heart disease.

Numerous studies have linked poor oral health to heart disease. Although expects can’t yet agree if there is a direct connection between gum disease and heart disease, there are several indications they may be linked due to the inflammatory properties of both diseases. In fact, those with gum disease are almost 50 percent more likely to have a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association.

Am I at Risk for Heart Disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. About 1 in every 4 Americans die from heart disease each year. Knowing these facts along with the risks can help you identify if you’re at risk for heart disease.

Key risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. There are also several medical conditions and lifestyle choices that can put you at risk, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Physical inactivity
  • Excessive alcohol use

While scientific evidence hasn’t yet proven a cause-effect relationship between oral health and heart disease, researchers have uncovered oral bacteria within the fatty deposits of people with atherosclerosis – a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries. Left untreated, the deposits have the potential to narrow arteries or break loose and clog them – causing a heart attack or stroke.

What are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Gum Disease?

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, over half of American adults suffer from gum disease. Research has shown that gum disease is associated with other chronic inflammatory diseases—such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it’s important to know the symptoms and warning signs.

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between gums and teeth
  • Sores in your mouth

How Do I Protect Against Gum Disease?

Although more than 80 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease, it is preventable. It’s important to have a good oral hygiene routine. Adding these habits to your routine can really make a difference.

  • Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Swish with mouthwash
  • See your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
  • Minimize sugary beverages
  • Eat a well-balanced diet

Make the Connection Last

While they might not be directly connected, your heart and mouth rely on each other a great deal. Both your heart and mouth love when you practice good oral hygiene and eliminate risk factors. Removing harmful bacteria from your mouth ensures it won’t slip into your bloodstream and affect your heart. In addition, show your mouth and heart some extra love by reducing risk factors – quit smoking, increase intake of fruits and veggies, control your blood pressure, and eat low-sugar foods and drinks.

It’s important to stay up to date with your dental exams to ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape. If it’s been a while since you visited the dentist or you’re experiencing any of the symptoms or warning signs discussed in this article contact Roseman Dental to schedule a dental exam.

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What Causes a Toothache?

What Causes a Toothache?

If you have experienced a toothache before you would know that it can be one of the worst types of pain you could have. Sometimes it can be a sharp pain that interrupts sleep, other times it can be a dull, persistent pain. Below are some of the main reasons you might be experiencing a toothache.

5 Causes of Toothaches

 

1. A cavity- essentially a hole in your tooth

The outer layer of a tooth is a hard layer called enamel, the inner layer is dentin which is softer. Underneath dentin are the nerve and blood vessels. If the outer layer gets broken down by bacteria feeding on tooth structure, bacteria can leak into the insides of the tooth and cause a toothache. This is when a cavity occurs. As the cavity approaches the nerve, it can make teeth become very sensitive to hot or cold and cause pain. If not treated early on by doing a filling, a cavity can get larger and a root canal or extraction might be needed. This is why going to the dentist routinely is important to prevent extensive decay.

2. Bite

If you received a filling and it gave you pain afterwards, you may have been biting high on the filling and placing pressure on the one tooth instead of evenly distributing it over all the teeth. If your teeth are shifting, this can also cause tooth-related pain. To fix this, the bite would need to be adjusted.

Bruxism is a condition of unconsciously grinding or clenching teeth during the night or in the day. This can lead to pain in the jaw along with headaches and other problems if severe.

3. Sore gums

Food items can sometimes get dislodged under gums especially when eating hard food items. This can be quite painful and it can cause gums to swell up. Having gaps between teeth can cause food to be easily trapped, requiring frequent flossing to avoid discomfort due to trapped food. Having contact between teeth or having teeth that are touching neighboring teeth is necessary.

At times, people can develop severe periodontal disease. A deep cleaning is necessary to ease the pain and rule out periodontal disease as the source of the pain.

4. Cracked teeth

A cracked tooth can be another source of pain. It can be on an older filling and crack lines might be where the filling is on natural tooth. If the crack is small, it can be removed and a filling can be done to fix it but if it is large, a larger filling might be needed or the tooth may need to be extracted.

5. Wisdom teeth

You have probably heard of someone having a toothache from their wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth sometimes come out straight and feel like the other molars, causing no pain or discomfort. Other times they are hidden under the gums and can be coming out sideways, impacting the tooth next to it. This can cause a lot of problems in the future. Wisdom teeth can even cause jaw pain on either or both sides and might require the dentist to provide a referral to an oral surgeon to remove wisdom teeth.

 

A toothache could be an underlying issue of something severe. An oral exam or deep cleaning could be the key to relieving your pain and discomfort from a toothache. If you’re experiencing discomfort, contact Roseman Dental to schedule an appointment.

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Article by Tanisha Khurana

Tanisha Khurana - DMD Candidate Class of 2023, Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, ASDA Chapter Fundraising Chair, Pediatric Club Outreach Coordinator

Tanisha Khurana
DMD Candidate Class of 2023
Roseman University College of Dental Medicine
ASDA Chapter Fundraising Chair
Pediatric Club Outreach Coordinator

 

National Children’s Dental Health Month – Tiny Teeth

National Children’s Dental Health Month – Tiny Teeth

First Tooth – First Birthday

Often times, parents wonder when they should start taking their child to the dentist. It is in fact sooner than you may think! You cannot be too early to start your child with their oral hygiene care routine. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents establish a dental home for their child by the time the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. The dentist can examine your child’s teeth and ensure there are no concerns early on.

 

Why are Baby Teeth Important if They’re Just Going to Fall Out?

Indeed, the baby teeth or primary teeth are going to be lost. Parents ask, “So then why is it so important to take my 1 year old to the dentist?” Baby teeth are so important because they are replaced by permanent teeth. This is why it is crucial to maintain the health of the baby teeth so they are able to save space for the teeth replacing them. Poor oral hygiene such as not brushing or not using fluoridated toothpaste sufficiently can lead to decay in teeth which can potentially give rise to infections or even spread to new adult teeth which are erupting just below.

A common oral health risk for infants is the baby bottle. When your child consumes sugary liquid, the bacteria in their mouth start to flourish and cause decay which can break down their teeth. To avoid this, as a safer option you may give them a bottle of water before they sleep or you may use a wet washcloth to wipe their gums and teeth if they must absolutely have milk at night.

 

Oral Health Tips You Need to Know

We recommend the following tips to ensure that your child is on their way to a healthy mouth and healthy life:

  • Visit the dentist routinely at least every 6 months
  • Use about a grain size of fluoridated toothpaste for baby teeth as teeth start to erupt. For kids ages 2-6, you can use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste and ensure that they are not swallowing it
  • Lay your child down facing away from you with their head between your legs and begin flossing as early as their teeth begin to touch
  • Use a damp washcloth to wipe teeth and gums after any food or drink for infants
  • Avoid an excess of sugary drinks or snacks between meals because this can increase the chances of cavities forming
  • Keep them hydrated – water not only helps to rinse away sugars that can cause cavities, but also provides a natural source of fluoride for their teeth!

Tiny teeth are just as important as big teeth. Contact Roseman Dental today if your little one is in need of a dentist.

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Article by Tanisha Khurana

Tanisha Khurana - DMD Candidate Class of 2023, Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, ASDA Chapter Fundraising Chair, Pediatric Club Outreach Coordinator

Tanisha Khurana
DMD Candidate Class of 2023
Roseman University College of Dental Medicine
ASDA Chapter Fundraising Chair
Pediatric Club Outreach Coordinator

Oral Health and Your Overall Health

Oral Health and Your Overall Health

News flash – oral health is so much more than just your teeth! Your mouth is the window to the health of your body. Oral health includes not only the health of your teeth, but also your gums, bones, ligaments, muscles, glands, and nerves. Your ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions to show feelings and emotions is impacted negatively or positively based on the condition of your oral health. Having good oral health gives an individual confidence in their self-image and sense of well-being.

Mouth and Body Connection

If your mouth is not healthy you could face far more serious consequences than just a simple toothache; however, the mouth is a fascinating thing. It can warn you of the start of more serious health conditions. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies, general infection, and the onset of systemic diseases – diseases that can affect other parts of the body or the entire body – such as diabetes and AIDS. Diabetes complications can occur when you have inflammation of the gum tissue and periodontal disease (a disease more common in diabetic patients). These, in combination, can make it harder to control your blood sugar and make your diabetes symptoms worse.

Gum disease, an indicator of poor oral health and a chronic inflammatory condition, is linked to illnesses such as:

  • Heart Disease – A disease that is most known as coronary artery disease or cardiovascular disease. This disease causes decreased blood flow to the heart which can cause a heart attack.
  • Respiratory Disease – A disease that affects the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. Respiratory diseases may be caused by infection, smoking tobacco, or breathing in secondhand tobacco smoke, radon, asbestos, or other forms of air pollution. Respiratory diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and lung cancer. Also called lung disorder and pulmonary disease.
  • Osteoporosis – A bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune and inflammatory disease where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body.

Good Oral Health = Good Overall Health

It is important to establish good hygiene habits so that your oral health does not negatively impact your overall health. There are a variety of steps that can be taken to make sure that your oral health is in tiptop shape.

Oral Health Tips. Brush 2x daily for 2 minutes. Drink water with fluoride. Floss daily. Balanced diet, limit sugary foods. Visit dentist every 6 months. Good oral health = Good overall health.

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day & after every meal for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
  • Drinking water with fluoride
  • Flossing daily
  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Limiting sweet snacks between meals
  • Staying away from sugary foods and drinks and try not to sip or eat on them all day. If you want a sugary food or drink, have one at mealtimes.
  • Visiting your dentist at least every six months for cleanings, prevention and treatment of cavities

Good Oral Health Saves Lives

Taking preventative steps and teaching your family good oral hygiene routines now can not only save their oral health, but also save their lives. With the new year, set a new goal to make your oral health a priority. Last year caused many of us to get behind on our oral health due to dental offices being closed. Dental offices are back up and running so don’t delay, schedule your appointment and make sure your oral health is in tiptop shape.

Contact Roseman Dental to schedule your dental exam.

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